Bajaj Chetak has traveled a remarkable path in India’s bike world, and now it’s turning heads again by embracing electric power. The Chetak’s amazing history and legacy stand strong. But times changed, and modern scooters faced a rough road. Bajaj Auto, however, welcomed the changes and introduced the iconic Pulsar in India.
Now, Bajaj Auto is taking another leap, this time into the electric vehicle (EV) scene. They’re all set to shape up the manufacturing of electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), something that hasn’t been very clear so far. Rajiv Bajaj, the man in charge, voiced concerns about a lack of proper standards for EV manufacturing. He wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts, saying, “Some folks who shouldn’t have jumped into EVs did, and that caused a lot of confusion in the market.”
As a tribute to the late Shri Rahul Bajaj’s 84th birth anniversary, Bajaj Auto unveiled a new EV-focused facility at the same Akrudi plant where the regular Chetak was built. This facility can churn out a whopping 2.5 lakh Chetak units every year. Covering a huge half-million square feet area, it’s predicted to create jobs for around 11,000 people, with an impressive capacity of 5 lakh units per year. This new Chetak is proudly made in India, and they’re putting emphasis on using local resources to keep prices in check and boost the local economy. Bajaj Auto also partnered up with local suppliers near Pune for their service and spare parts needs.
When it comes to EV safety, Rajiv Bajaj had a pretty straightforward take: “There are currently two types of EVs – those that have caught fire, and those that might.” He pointed out that this might be due to a rush into EVs without enough research and care for safety standards.
Taking us on a tour of their Research and Development (R&D) facility, Bajaj Auto showed us how seriously they’re taking the EV game. Their rigorous testing includes checking batteries, motors, and the chassis before they go into mass production. Plus, every vehicle that rolls off the production line gets a thorough inspection before it hits the store.
To make all of this happen, Bajaj Auto invested a hefty 300 crores in building up their EV-focused facility. And they’re not stopping there – they’re planning to pour in another 500 crores to streamline their supply chain. The EV plant in Akurdi is all set to cater to both local and international markets.
Bajaj Auto is making it clear that they’re diving headfirst into the EV market, and their plan is all about securing a bright future. With a legacy like Chetak behind them, they’re set on evolving and adapting to this new era. This journey is more than just a revolution – it’s an evolution that’s set to shape India’s electric mobility story.
